ParalympicsGB athletes past and present gather in Cardiff for special reunion event

ParalympicsGB athletes past and present gathered in Cardiff on Saturday 10th October for a special reunion event bringing together British Paralympians from across the generations to celebrate their place in the team’s rich history.

The event followed similar reunions which have taken place across the UK as part of ParalympicsGB’s Athlete Community and with over 40 Paralympians in attendance, as well as loved ones of athletes who have passed away, provided an opportunity for everyone to reunite, make new connections and celebrate achievements. The event was also attended by Heledd Fychan MS, Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport in the Welsh Parliament.

Welsh Paralympic star Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE - who won 16 medals including 11 gold across five Paralympic Games - led a panel discussion alongside Paris 2024 Para rowing gold medallist Benjamin Pritchard, Para ice hockey player and Powerlifter Russell Willey who competed at six Paralympic Games between 1984 and 2006, and Para swimmer Rhiannon Henry who competed at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012 winning two bronze medals.

Athletes were also presented with official ParalympicsGB recognition tokens by ParalympicsGB Chief Executive David Clarke, honouring their contribution to the history of ParalympicsGB. The first tokens were presented to athletes during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with the ambition of awarding tokens to all athletes who have represented ParalympicsGB at a Paralympic Games since the inaugural competition in 1960.

ParalympicsGB’s Athlete Community was established in 2023 to provide opportunities for British Paralympians to reconnect with peers, celebrate achievements and sign up for training and opportunities.

For more information about the Athlete Community go to paralympics.org.uk/athlete-community or contact athletecommunity@paralympics.org.uk